Area Representative (AR) Spotlight — Chuck Rivers

Area Representative (AR) Spotlight Chuck Rivers 

By John Resotko, Communications Committee Member 

1. What is your job title? Director, Community Relations, Southeast Michigan, Government Relations
2. What area of campus (this refers to the area rep info on the APA website, like, East, South, North, etc.) building and department do you work in? I retain southeast Michigan offices primarily in Wayne, Macomb & Oakland Counties
3. How long have you been at MSU? Seventeen years
4. How long have you been an Area Representative In Training? Approx. one year
5. Why is being a member of the Union important to you and what value does it bring? I desired to have a sense of job security and wanted to be sure that the university would not make unfair and arbitrary decisions about my employment. I look to the union to ensure that my job is duly protected against lay offs, recall, promotion, etc.
6. What words of advice do you have for the new hires at MSU? That they should seriously consider joining and becoming a union member. The union works to negotiate and enforce all contracts with the university that guarantees the things they (most likely) would care about like decent raises, affordable health care, job security, and a stable schedule. They help guarantee better workplaces and working conditions for members, without the fear of retaliation.
7. What do you love about working for MSU? The vast wealth of resources available to assist almost every aspect of our local, state, national and international communities. Also, the numerous employees who are so committed to making those resources available.
8. What do you like to do when you are not at work? I like to ne actively engaged with individuals and organizations. 

 Optional getting to know you questions. 

1. In high school I was known for: nothing specifically
2. People would be surprised to know I am skilled at:vocal & organ performance
3. I have no pets
4. I like classical music and my favorite band is The Boston Symphony & Pops
5. My favorite area restaurant is Charlie Kangs and my favorite dish is Szechuan shrimp with chicken.
6. My hobbies include: swimming & gardening
7. My favorite junk food is: Popeyes chicken sandwich because it appeals to my southern cultural roots 

The AR’s are appointed by the Executive Board and their role is to assist with distributing APA materials and information and to serve as a resource for members. AR’s are assigned to a geographic area of campus, so if there is not an AR in your immediate building, you can find one nearby. For a list of AR’s go to http://lay.wyz.mybluehost.me/about/area-representatives-2/